East Bay Restaurant Week specials begin Thursday

Calavera, in Uptown, is one of several new Oakland restaurants offering restaurant week specials starting Jan. 14. Photo: Benjamin Seto

It’s that time again — time to revel in the prix fixe glory that is Restaurant Week.

In the East Bay, we get more than two weeks of specials between Oakland and Berkeley. Oakland’s Restaurant Week begins tomorrow, Jan. 14 and runs through Jan. 24. Berkeley’s event overlaps a bit, beginning on Jan. 21 and running through Jan. 31.

“Diners look forward to Oakland Restaurant Week because it’s a chance to get out and try somewhere new,” said Alison Best, President and CEO of Visit Oakland, in a prepared statement. “The best of the best showcase their unique menu pairings and diners are able to taste their way through each of Oakland’s unique neighborhoods.”

As is the case with each passing year, both Oakland and Berkeley’s lists of participating restaurants are stronger and more diverse than ever.

Oakland, in fact, has around 100 restaurants participating, several of which have opened to much fanfare in the last year. Calavera, in Uptown’s Hive complex, is serving brunch, lunch and dinner menus, each reasonably priced at $30. Some of the best dishes on the menu — we’re looking at you pollo con mole poblano — are included. Nearby, Parlour, which recently changed chefs, is offering a $40 four-course menu that includes a decadent-sounding chicken confit entree. Hen House will be joining its Swan’s Marketplace neighbors Cosecha, Miss Ollie’s, Rosamunde, B-Dama, and The Cook and Her Farmer in offering special menus. Rockridge newcomer Millennium will serve brunch and dinner specials.

Berkeley’s event also includes relative newcomers. The paleo café Mission Heirloom will offer a $20 menu with a bone broth (or soup) of the day, a choice of meaty or meat-less entree, and a grain-free dessert. (Avocado-pomelo tart, anyone?) Across Shattuck, Nico’s Hideaway will be serving a $35 dinner that includes oysters and chicken Parmesan, and Tigerlily will put its own unique spin on dinner. In Elmwood, stop into The Advocate for a three-course meal of its Mediterranean-influenced California cuisine. Or head to West Berkeley’s Longbranch Saloon for one of the better deals on offer — four courses for $35.

Both Restaurant Weeks are part of the statewide California Restaurant Month, a “promotional initiative created by Visit California in 2011 to encourage post-holiday travel to the Golden State during the month of January and to continue to position the state as the top culinary destination in the country,” according to Visit California’s website.